Once a small fishing hamlet, this charming seaside resort draws thousands of visitors each year with its well preserved Victorian landmarks and surf-friendly beach
If you’re debating which stretch of the English coastline to explore next, this seaside town is a no-brainer. Situated within the historic North Riding of Yorkshire and home to the last remaining pier in Yorkshire, history and natural beauty is abound in this classic coastal town.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea (commonly referred to as Saltburn) is well known for its distinct Victorian character. The former fishing hamlet became a hub for smuggling activities in the 18th century, before the arrival of the railway and investment from Sir Henry Pease in the mid 1800s drove the town into a new era as a Victorian bathing resort. It is said that Saltburn came to be from a prophetic vision of Sir Henry Pease, who envisioned a town rising from the clifftop and a quiet glen turned into beautiful gardens. Today, that shining vision remains a reality.
One of the best ways to enjoy Saltburn’s picturesque views is by taking the Cliff Lift from Marine Parade. Constructed in 1884, the funicular railway is the oldest cliff lift of its kind in the UK and an iconic feat of Victorian engineering. The cliff lift—or the 173 adjacent steps—will take you straight down to the pier, another iconic Victorian landmark of the area. The pier extends out into the North Sea for 200 metres and first opened in 1869. Today, the Saltburn pier is one of the last remaining pleasure piers on the North East coast of England.
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Once you’ve traversed the length of the pier, head to Saltburn beach to enjoy the town’s natural landscape. You may not expect it, but this historic town is a sweet spot for surfers. Saltburn beach is reportedly one of the best surf destinations along this stretch of the North Sea coast. The beach’s north-facing orientation allows it to pick up more swell than neighbouring beaches.
But even non-surfers can enjoy the sand and shingle beach. The site has a lifeguard service and is largely protected from wind by the Huntcliff headland, making it an ideal place to spend a day with the family.
If you’re booking a trip to Saltburn, consider planning around the town’s international Food Festival. The festival has drawn crowds of up to 20,000 people in its heyday and returned in 2023 after pausing during the pandemic. The Saltburn Food Festival is a family-friendly affair, celebrating international cuisines alongside local specialties from small, independent producers. In 2025, the festival is set to take place on Sunday, July 27.
Another annual event to keep on your radar is the Saltburn Folk Festival. This 3-day festival boasts an incredible lineup of live music performances, dance workshops and musician sessions to showcase the town’s distinct heritage and culture. This year, the festival will run from August 8 to August 10. A true vision come to life, Saltburn is the stunning result of historic innovation and natural happenstance come together.